Some Great Views Of Montmorency Falls Outside Quebec City
We managed to get some great views of Montmorency Falls outside Quebec City even on a short visit.
At the end of our east coast road trip, we had only a one night stop in Quebec City. It was a long drive from Quebec City to our final stop in Kingston. But we set an alarm and visited the Montmorency Falls just as they opened.
We got some great views from above on the suspension bridge. And then climbed down the stairs for another perspective on the falls. We found several fun adventurous ways to enjoy Montmorency Falls. But those would wait for another visit.
Planning Our Visit
The Montmorency Falls (la Chute‑Montmorency) were located just outside of Quebec City (Quebec Cité) on the east side. At home in Toronto, we visited Niagara Falls regularly. At 83m (~272 feet) the Montmorency Falls were about 30m higher than Niagara Falls but not as wide. So these falls have been our list to visit for some time.
We missed the Montmorency Falls on our first visit to Quebec City. And we got just a quick look at them from the car as we drove past Quebec City when we started this road trip to the Maritime provinces.
We arrived late in the afternoon to Quebec City and checked into our hotel. The skies were overcast. We considered visiting the falls in the evening as the skies cleared. But with a sunny forecast for the next morning, we planned an early morning visit. The sun was in the perfect spot and lit up the falls.
There were several different parking lots. We decided to park at the top of the falls at Manoir Montmorency. This parking lot opened earlier than the lot at the bottom of the falls. If you get there before the park opens there was no barrier and we were not sure if you even needed to pay.
We Started At The Top At Manoir Montmorency
We arrived just as the park opened and parked at Manoir Montmorency. The Manoir was a beautiful building with colourful flowers all in bloom around the outside. It was not yet open when we arrived. But we figured this was a great spot for something to eat before or after a visit.
We also saw several other eating options at the top of the falls. Le 1759 was a food truck with a varied menu. The Le Pain De Sucre Dairy Bar offered a range of tasty sweet treats. Neither was open yet when we visited so early in the day.
From the Manoir we walked to the lookout. From this spot we got our first views of the Montmorency Falls. We were excited to see them closer from the suspension bridge.
Our first views of Montmorency Falls outside Quebec City left us wanting more.
The Views From The Suspension Bridge
Some of the walkways were closed when we visited. So we made our way to the main path to the suspension bridge located behind the Manoir. We wandered along the shaded paths and heard the sound of the rushing water increase.
At the beginning of the day, there was almost nobody around. We wandered onto the suspension bridge and had lots of time as we enjoyed the views up the river before the falls. And then looked down at the falls as they cascaded below us.
We looked out and saw the St Lawrence River and the bridge (Pont De L’Ile D’Orleans) . This suspension bridge crossed the Saint Lawrence River between Quebec City and Île d’Orléan.
We looked back towards the observation platform where we started. We saw Manoir Montmorency and one end of the zipline platforms. Beside falls, we saw the stairs that went to the bottom (Escalier Panoramique).
We got some great views of the Montmorency Falls when we started at the top.
Heading Down The Stairs
From the suspension bridge we continued our walk along the shaded paths. A one way bridge crossed over the rocks but there was no real view of the falls at this point. But as we walked along we heard the falls. And when we peeked through the trees we got our first front on view of Montmorency Falls from this side.
We kept walking along the grass and found the top of the stairs that led to the bottom. There were awesome views of the Montmorency Falls from this vantage point. We moved down several levels on the stairs and saw the falls from a different perspective. We got a great view of the suspension bridge we crossed. From this vantage point we also saw the smaller Chute de la Dame Blanch.
From this point, we looked out and saw the Manoir Montmorency and the observation platform where we started. Off on the horizon we just saw the outline of Quebec City.
The stairs provided a great vantage point for views of the Montmorency Falls outside Quebec City.
Finishing Our View Of Montmorency Falls
At this point we needed to make a decision. We could continue down the stairs for a view from the very bottom. From there we either walked back up the stairs and re-traced our path. Or we headed to the cable car and took that back up to the top by the Manoir Montmorency where we started.
We had a long travel day and this visit to the Montmorency Falls needed to be quick. So we went part way down the stairs. Then we walked back up and went back the way we came.
Other Ways For Views Of Montmorency Falls Outside Quebec City
But as we wandered on the site, we saw many other ways to enjoy the park and Montmorency Falls. A large group was suited in harness and helmet when we were there and headed off to climb the rock face along the Boischatel crevasse. The climbs were led by a professional guide and at all times they were connected to a continuous cable. We never saw them get onto the rock face before we left. As their poster below stated, the cost to climb the Via Ferrata started at about $35 for adults.
The other adrenaline option was to take a zipline across the face of the Montmornency Falls. We saw the platforms on either side of the falls. But this adventure was not in operation when we visited.
We definitely want to return and try one of the more exciting adventures one day.
We Enjoyed Our Short Visit For Views Of Montmorency Falls Outside Quebec City
It was great to get views of the Montmorency Falls outside Quebec City even on a short visit. Because we visited so early in the day, there were no crowds and we easily saw everything we wanted in about 90 minutes.
If we were not rushed, it would have been great to go all the way to the bottom for a different perspective on the falls. The cable car ride up would have been fun. And there was lots of green space in the park to enjoy.
One day we would like to try the zipline across the falls. Although the rock climbing might be a pass. And a return visit in the winter when the falls were partially frozen was apparently quite stunning.
A great way to finish up our stops in Quebec as our east coast road trip drew to a close.
Did you see many views of the Montmorency Falls outside Quebec City? What was your favourite spot?
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Oh wow! Such a beautiful place – definitely worth getting up early and making time to visit. I love that there are so many ways to see it from different vantage points, too. That suspension bridge looks fun!
We were definitely glad we got there early. Wonderful to have it to ourselves.
I’ve never been to Quebec, but it looks beautiful. I will have to add it to my bucket list. Of course, it was a lot closer when I lived in NY.
We have been past a number of times but we were glad we planned a stop at Montmorency Falls on this trip.
Those waterfalls are magnificent, Linda. They look so fierce and powerful. The two bridges are fine examples of modern architecture. Ziplining and the Via Ferrata sound like interesting options.
We were indeed amazed at how much there was to do at this site. A longer visit is required for sure to try it all.
Oh wow, Montmorency Falls looks amazing and beautiful! I have never heard of it before but it was interesting to learn that it is actually higher than Niagara. There is something about waterfalls, you just can’t miss them if you are close by.I would definitely stop here.
We wish we had not been in such a hurry due to our long travel day. A great spot we will re-visit for sure.
The Montmorency Falls looks like a twin Niagara falls. The view from the suspension bridge is awesome ❤️.And it seems like a place worth visiting if you’re in Quebec city.
We were surprised at how close this was to Quebec City. Definitely worth a visit!
I love waterfalls and always search them out when I travel. The amount and power of Montmorency Falls is incredible. The staircase was under repair so I was not able to walk down to the bottom, bummer. Your image looking back at the city is great. I used Uber to get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City but then did not have cell service to order an Uber back, that was a little stressful.
I am glad we did this visit to Montmorency Falls when we were in Quebec City. I agree it may be a bit more difficult to get to without a car.
Since I haven’t visited Canada yet, I haven’t heard of these falls. They look great – and on the first pic, it looks like they are flooding the parking lot 😀 Once I make it to Canada, I absolutely want to visit also the francophone part – hence, I’ll have the chance to visit the Montmorency Falls 🙂
You will love Quebec City when you make it to Canada. The Montmorency Falls were an interesting change from the charm of the old city.
Wow! Montmorency Falls are just gorgeous, and so big! I would love to see them! I also love that there is a cable car, I love riding those – always so fun. Adding this to my Canada bucket list!
We were amazed that there was so much to do at Montmorency Falls. A way to explore for everyone.
Oh my! I can see why you set your alarm to be first in line to see this. I don’t recall ever hearing about these falls before, but thanks to you I do now! I’m headed back to PQ and so I might have to do the same as you and add it to our east road trip. Thanks for the inspiration
I am happy to introduce the Montmorency Falls to you. I had heard about them but did not realize they were so close to Quebec City. A great day.
I’ll definitely be camera-ready for the waterfalls that await my viewing pleasure.
Just by looking at the photos, I can feel the rush of water flowing down and listen to the sound that accompanies it. I love the food truck concept!
We loved the chance to see Montmorency Falls from so many different spots. It was a lovely way to start our day.
What a lovely place to visit! It’s great that the have a few options for the adrenaline junkies. I love waterfalls so I’ll have to try to get back to Quebec one day to see this one!
I hope you do get to visit the falls if you visit Quebec City. I was surprised we missed this on other visits.
Walking on the suspension bridge looks fun and a bit scary at the same time. But I think we’ll do everything to get a beautiful views of the Montmorency Falls. Thankful for the cable car though.
We loved that there was a viewpoint for everyone! Great to be able to see them from different spots at the top and bottom.
Montmorency Falls looks stunning. I am surprised that this is not that popular and I have never heard of it. I will definitely visit the Mainor that looks amazing as well. The flowers and the architecture is very pretty. I will also take that cable car ride when I visit the falls.
It was great to finally get to visit Montmorency Falls. Loved all the different way to explore.
Quebec and Eastern Canada are very much in our bucket list. We love waterfalls and suspension bridges. This one is definitely for us. Your images have captured the falls beautifully! It’s great that they have the stairs and cable car options. Food trucks are always so inviting with their yummy hot food! 🙂
We loved that there were so many different ways to enjoy Montmonency Falls. Next time we will visit when we have more time to enjoy it all.
Wow! Montmorency Falls looks just magnificent. The suspension bridge looks beautiful and I can understand what a great view of the falls we can get from there. The Manoir also looks quite elegant. I would have loved to go ziplining in front of the falls. Just imagine the adrenaline rush!! This is surely a great place to visit from Quebec city.
We will definitely have to go back when the zipline is running. That would be a blast for sure.
loving the greenery – what a sight! ?
The park at Montmorency had so much to offer.
Great article, and perfect timing as I am heading to Quebec City this fall. These falls look gorgeous and I just might have to add them to the itinerary. Thanks for sharing!
It is always good when a blog post it timely. Hope you get to visit.
I love being outdoors while on vacation so this trip looks awesome! Such beautiful views as well
The Montmorency Falls were definitely a great spot for outdoor views.
This looks exactly the type of place I’d love to visit. I love the picture from the car park it gives an eery perspective… almost looks like the waterfall is going to come gushing through any minute. So powerful. We are slowly building up an epic road trip of eastern Canada with your articles as inspiration.
I am happy to keep adding to your epic road trip to Eastern Canada.
Montmorency Falls are higher than Niagara?! Didn’t know that. There seems to be a lot more scenic views of these falls than there are at Niagara – would you agree? I love the flowers and garden area too.
I too was surprised at how much there was to do at Montmorency Falls. We wish we had more time. But know we will go back and explore more.
What an amazing waterfall! I loved following your journey down. The views look incredible! I hope I get a chance to visit one day. Thanks for the great guide!
We did love the different views of the Montmorency Falls. Great to share our journey.
Every time I go to Quebec City I make sure to visit Montmorency Falls, it’s one of my favourite places. Love your tips on the best views to get of the falls!
We have wanted to visit for so long. Was happy to finally get there. Good to know it is a great spot for multiple visits.
Would love to visit these falls, and the suspension bridge looks so cool! Thanks for the post.
I hope you visit Quebec City one day and get to visit the Montmorency Falls.
I’ve always wanted to visit Quebec City, Canada. Great guide on how to capture all the great views of Montmorency Falls. Stunning!
Quebec City is a great stop on a visit to Canada. We were glad to add the Montmorency Falls to this trip.
Although not as majestic and awe-inspiring as Niagara Falls, Montmorency Falls look pretty cool in their own right. I had no idea they’re close to Quebec City, I was in the area a few years ago but did not make it to these falls. The views from some of your recommended areas are really nice!
I too did not know that Montmorency was so close to Quebec City. An easy visit if you plan for it.
A very beautiful location. I love the idea of food trucks. I bet the area looks amazing in Fall colors.
I agree with you. I am sure it is lovely with fall colours. A great reason to go back!
This is so great. I love a good waterfall and this one definitely doesn’t disappoint!
It was great that we finally got to see Montmorency Falls. A great waterfall so close to the city.
These definitely remind of Niagra Falls. Canada is so beautiful! I would definitely want to see this from a cable car!
It was amazing to see so many ways to enjoy the Montmorency Falls. The cable car would sure save me climbing those stairs!
I’m sure it’s hard for the Montmorency Falls to compete for attention with Niagara not too far away, but they look like they’re worth a trip!
The Montmorency Falls were a very different experience from Niagara. But we were glad we finally go to see these on this visit.
Wow! the falls are just stunning! Cable cars are always a great way to get some beautiful panoramic views and relax at the same time so they are always on our list when they are available. We can only imagine how beautiful the views would be early in morning or even at sunset. Another reason for us to get to Canada 🙂
I hope you do get to visit Canada and see the Montmorency Falls if Quebec City is on your plans. So many great fun ways to enjoy.
Woooowza! I looove waterfalls, but Montmorency Falls looks incredible! Was this in the springtime, or is the waterflow just always that epic!?
We went in the middle of summer and were glad the flows were so strong! I can imagine that Spring is epic.
Woah, it must be! I mean, even mid-summer is impressive!